Competition to attract and retain the best people is keener than ever in today’s work-place.When people are discussing their company, reward and recognition schemes are up there with compensation and benefits as key deciding factors. However, it’s not enough to have a ‘trip of a lifetime’ award for top-performing employees – incentive schemes must be supplemented by the ‘little but often’ gestures which recognise the value of the individual – those ‘personal touches’ which make people feel special. Recognising people is about winning hearts and minds.

Karen Horsfield, Sales Director, has been with Innovex for 15 years – she tells us why it’s the place to be…..

During her time with Innovex, Karen’s career has progressed from Medical Representative to Sales Director through a range of management positions. She loves the variety of customers and products at Innovex; she likes being part of a dynamic and ‘people-focused’ company. But Karen explains what makes Innovex different is its ethos of reward and recognition – and it’s not just the big awards which make staff feel valued, it’s the little personal touches too.

Value

“It sounds a bit of a cliché but it’s true – a valued workforce is a motivated workforce, so it’s in everybody’s best interest to promote a working environment where effort and success is recognised – and seen by colleagues to be recognised,” said Karen. “At Innovex, our people and their skills and attitude are what we supply to our customers. Our people are our ‘product’ – so it is extremely important to our success that staff feel they are genuinely valued as individuals.

“This manifests itself in a range of different ways, from simple things such as a birthday card from the Managing Director, to the opportunity to take part in schemes to win big cash awards or even a luxury Caribbean holiday. Then there’s the InnExcellence Celebration Events where winners and their guest spend a relaxing overnight in luxurious surroundings. Hosted by our Managing Director and the UK Leadership Team, people are made to feel really special.

Respect

“Some programmes are global, others very individual.Teams have their own initiatives. In my team, we have our team Employee of the Month scheme – we let everyone know who’s been nominated and why so people know what to aim for the next time.

“In Innovex a marked focus on reward and recognition runs through the company, hand-in-hand with a culture of respect and team spirit – that’s why I love being part of it and why, even though I’ve been approached by other organisations, I choose Innovex!”

The last 12 months have been peppered with awards for Karen. She won the Sales Director InnExcellence Award – nominated by her line manager for excellent results and demonstration of the Innovex corporate values. Karen was also nominated for not one but two of the Managing Director Awards which are presented annually. She won the Long Term Contribution Award and was also nominated for the Employee of the Year Award – she’s determined to “ make it a hat-trick” next year!

Suspense

Karen is pictured receiving her Long Term Contribution silver salver from Innovex’s Managing Director, Alison Clough at the ‘Innovex Oscars’ held in March at the Radisson Edwardian, Heathrow.

“Strangely, I actually enjoy the suspense of waiting to find out who’s won the awards!” said Karen. “It’s kept absolutely secret until the night. Winning is wonderful, but it’s just as enjoyable congratulating other people – especially members of your team.

“In my management role, I make a conscious effort to drive reward and recognition because I know, first-hand, how important it is – how it makes you feel special. “Whenever one of my team texts me to say thanks for letting them know how much they’re appreciated, it makes my day too!”